6 minute read
Booming
WORKLIFE | GROWTH BOOMING BUSINESS:
These Airdrie companies’ services are high in demand
BY STACIE GAETZ
The COVID-19 pandemic has been, to say the least, bad for business in most respects.
However, there are a few companies in Airdrie that have seen an uptick in demand since March 2020.
Dramatic shifts in customer behaviour that come with social isolation and amenities being closed down or having operations altered have caused some people to change their buying habits, resulting in huge demand increases.
We spoke with three local businesses that have seen dramatic (and welcome) interest in their products and services.
PEDALLING AS FAST AS THEY CAN
Nick Lynem, owner of Cranked Bicycles in Airdrie, says the recent increase in demand for recreational bikes, products and services has been like nothing he has ever seen before.
“We had lineups out the door with people waiting 25 to 45 minutes,” he says.
“It was a crazy, crazy spring.”
He adds that many people in the shop were either buying a bike for the first time in 10 years or wanted to have an old bike that they hadn’t ridden in years serviced because their gyms were closed.
Another common reason people were looking to get back on two wheels was the fact that their vacations were cancelled, and they were looking for something to do outdoors with the family much closer to home.
“Many people wanted bikes, helmets, gloves, tires, a rack for their car, the whole setup so they could ride out to Canmore with the family,” he says.
He adds it is important to note that in addition to demand increasing dramatically, most bicycle parts are made in China and with many factories there shut down due to the pandemic, supply was hard to come by.
“The demand in service is definitely welcomed, but it has been a learning curve for myself and my staff, too,” he says.
NERDS ARE NEEDED
Michael Duffy, a remote technology expert also known as Mike the Nerd, says the increase in people working from home has him working harder than ever.
“Most small businesses are not prepared to have their employees work from home,” Duffy says.
“This created shortages for laptops, webcams, monitors and other equipment. Businesses were scrambling to set up secure remote access.”
During March, Duffy says it was common for Nerds on Site technicians to be putting in 10- to 12-hour remote service days. He adds, business saw a 50 per cent boost on average during March through June.
He says many people who are used to using a computer at an office for all of their “important work” tend to neglect their home computer’s security and updates.
Many common concerns that Duffy has dealt with since the beginning of the pandemic include slow email, Wi-Fi not working, printer and scanner problems and internet connection issues.
“People put off issues until they are forced to deal with them, and the pandemic forced them to,” he says.
DINE IN A DASH
Thomas O’Brien, owner of Airdrie Dash Delivery, says the pandemic has had an impact on his business that he never could have predicted.
“In a time where delivery has been needed more than ever, Airdrie turned to Airdrie Dash Delivery to provide them with the food and other goods they needed during the pandemic for themselves, family members, and even friends,” he says.
The company has been delivering food and goods in Airdrie and the surrounding area for almost two years and has increased their order volume by 100 per cent since March 1.
“This is excellent because it shows we have a great foothold in the market and a very loyal customer base. We are helping our local restaurants and liquor stores during the pandemic by bringing valuable business without the large fees that large corporations charge,” says O’Brien.
“I believe that the demand for our service has to do with Airdrie wanting to help their local businesses by continuing to enjoy their goods, while limiting exposure to and spread of COVID-19.”
He says Airdrie Dash Delivery has seen such significant support from Airdrie, Crossfield and Balzac that other communities have noticed and requested Airdrie Dash Delivery expands to their communities.
O’Brien adds he plans to expand his business to reach Red Deer and Calgary as well as a number of communities in between under the name Hungry Canadian in late 2020 or early 2021. life
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Employee Benefits with a Difference. Simple. Stable. Smart. Action through Connection: If you own a business, or are a business leader, you have a tremendous impact on the growth and wellbeing of our community. The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce recognizes that by working together and championing local business, we will build a stronger Airdrie. The Airdrie Chamber (AC) is a dynamic, professional organization that provides value to our members and is an advocate for all business. Not only do we create worthwhile connections between our members, we connect members to new clients, and business to government. The Chamber works together with our members to improve the economic, civic, and cultural wellbeing of our community.
AC is also proud to host a variety of luncheons, workshops, and networking events throughout the year to provide local business with educational opportunities and connections to experts to support them in growing their business. All Chamber events include opportunities for businesses to increase engagement and awareness, whether volunteering, networking or sponsoring.
The Airdrie Chamber is Proud to Champion and Advocate for our Business Community!
Your Airdrie Chamber of Commerce is here to connect, advocate for, and continue to inform our business community through the COVID-19 crisis.
To connect businesses, we are offering several initiatives for learning and guidance including online Q & A Connections with all levels of government and Alberta Health Services. Despite having cancelled our largest event of the year, the Airdrie Home & Lifestyle Show, we are still offering COVID-19 friendly networking opportunities, like our 19th Annual Chamber Golf Classic, and we are excited to be celebrating business with our October Airdrie Business Awards.
Also, the Airdrie Chamber along with all Chambers throughout our country have been advocating on behalf of all businesses during this global pandemic. Continuing to provide important workshops and online communication, we strive to keep our members informed and up to date on COVID-19 related information.
It is in these challenging times that the Chamber is proud to be championing local business. We are excited to work with the City of Airdrie to promote the “Put Your $ Where Your Heart Is” campaign where we are encouraging residents to shop local and support our amazing businesses now more than ever. As always, the safety and well being of our community, and the vitality and strength of our businesses are the Airdrie Chamber’s top priorities. Together, we are stronger.
